Nabucco

Verdi is one of my all-time favourite composers and perhaps my favourite composer of opera. Nabucco is not quite among his best works, but I have heard it cited as "Verdi's first masterpiece" both now and from sources from where it was first received. And I do consider it one of the best of his early operas alongside Macbeth and Luisa Miller. This 2007 production is not quite as good as the 1985 La Scala and 2002 Met versions, but apart from the overuse of the zooming in and out camera technique and an unneeded inclusion of a laser light show it was still thoroughly engaging. The costumes and set look spectacular and the lighting is similarly excellent. The stage direction is both compelling(the Act 3 confrontation between Nabucco and Abigaille) and moving(Va Pansiero). The production is musically outstanding, with rousing orchestral playing, a chorus that provide thrills and pathos and incisive conducting. Igor Mosorow might not have the largest of voices, but his voice is of a generally listenable timbre and his interpretative skills are superb. Gabriella Morigi excels in the voice-killer role of Abigaille, she dominates the stage and while her voice has a slight hard edge at times(actually not uncommon in this role) it is strong and cuts through the orchestra with no problem. Simon Yang embodies nobility and has a thrillingly booming basso voice, a very powerful presence indeed as Zaccaria. Bruno Ribeiro is fine as Ismaele, and Elisabeth Kuhlmann is a touching Fenena. Before I forget, for an outside venue the sound is remarkably good. All in all, very engaging and well-done production. 8/10 Bethany Cox